Packaging module and packaging system and their uses, and modular system

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a packing module (10) comprising at least one cover (12), at least one closing system (16), and at least one connecting system (24) for connecting the at least one cover (12) to the at least one closing system (16). It is contemplated that the the packing module (10) has, at least partly, at least one, preferably at least two, and more preferably at least three of the following features: water-repellent, waterproof, saltwater resistant, breathable, a relative elasticity of at least 10%. The invention further relates to a packing system, uses, as well as a modular system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a packing module comprising at least one cover, at least one closing system, and at least one connecting system for connecting the at least one cover to the at least one closing system. The invention further relates to a packing system, and uses of a packing module as well as of a packing system are the subject matter of the present invention, and a modular system.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

Packing systems are an essential part of all areas of life. For example, they play an increasingly important role in the shipment of goods, irrespective of whether in the private or commercial sector. In the industrial production of goods as well as at construction sites, packing systems are extremely important for the protection items from external influences, for transporting them from one location to another, or also for storing goods so that they are not visible to third parties.

The packaging used in the various fields is either specially designed for its intended purpose, i.e. particularly with regard to its size or other qualities, or the packaging can be universally used for many different applications. The present invention particularly relates to packing modules and packing systems which can be universally used which leads to a wide variety of areas of application.

It is an object of the invention to provide a packing module, packing systems, their uses, as well as a modular system in which universal applicability, good handleability, as well as safe storage of the packed items have priority.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Based on the packing module mentioned in the introduction, this object is solved by the packing module having, at least partly, at least at least one, preferably at least two, and more preferably at least three of the following features:

-   -   water-repellent,     -   waterproof,     -   saltwater resistant,     -   breathable,     -   a relative elasticity of at least 10%.

The water-repellent quality of the packing module ensures that the packing module itself does not absorb water and will therefore not store water. The packing module will thus remain dry in use so that no moisture depots will develop, particularly not in an area in which the packing module contacts a packed item. In this way, moisture-related damage to the packed items is prevented. Particularly by the packing module also being waterproof and therefore preferably capable of withstanding a water column of 800 mm or more without allowing for any moisture to enter, the packed item is virtually completely protected against moisture. It is also particularly advantageous in connection with the behaviour of the packing module with regard to water when at least some of the components of the packing module are saltwater-resistant. This is particularly useful when the packing module is to be used in seaports or on ships. When the packing module is, in addition, also breathable, moisture can pass through the per se waterproof membrane in the form of water vapour. In this way, packed moist items can dry depending on the temperature gradient present in the area of the membrane even though they are packed using the packing module. This particularly applies when, outside of the packaging, the temperature is lower than within the packaging. With the relative elasticity of the packing module of at least 10%, a plurality of advantages is achieved. On the one hand, packaging comprising one or more packing modules according to the invention can be tightly stretched around items. In this way, the items are well fixed, particularly during transport. In addition, for example, water puddles are prevented from forming on the packaging by the tension of the packaging, whereby the probability of water entering is further reduced. The relative elasticity of at least 10% is also advantageous in that the universality of the applicability of the packing module is further increased since the size of the packing module is variable in this way so that different volumes can be enclosed using the same packing modules while, at the same time, a close-fitting form of the packing module is maintained. The elasticity of the packing module can be distributed across the various components of the packing module in arbitrary weighting. Preferably, the properties of the cover achieve the major part of the elasticity. However, the closing systems and the connecting systems may also contribute to elasticity. It is even conceivable to use a non-elastic or virtually non-elastic cover and to design the connecting systems and/or the closing systems so that they achieve elasticity. Essentially, packaging designed in this way may be constituted of a single packing module. Preferably, however, packaging is a combination of a plurality of packing modules connected to each other by means of their closing systems. It is particularly advantageous that the packing module is made of a low-wear material.

With regard to the selection of the material of the packing module, the cover preferably comprises a material containing polyurethane (PU) and/or polyamide (PA) and/or a fibre-based woven and/or non-woven textile. Therefore, industrially manufactured plastic covers can be used. Likewise, it is possible that textiles are used when this is advantageous in specific areas of application, for example with regard to optics and haptics. The advantageous flexibility or elasticity of the packing module may, owing to the production type, particularly owing to the weaving type, sometimes be achieved by the mentioned materials alone, particularly by textiles.

However, it is particularly useful that the cover contains elastane (EL). Elastane is a material that has been known for a long time and, by being added to other materials, imparts extraordinary elasticity to the finished product.

With regard to the actual composition of the packing module, the cover preferably contains at least 30% PA, 4% PU, and 1% EL, respectively, more preferably at least 40% PA, 6% PU and 1.5% EK, respectively, and most preferably at least 50% PA, 8% PU and 2% EL, respectively.

In a particularly advantageous implementation, the invention is a closing system comprising at least one magnetic lock and/or at least one clamping fastener and/or at least one hook and loop fastener and/or at least one zipper and/or at least one slide mating engagement. Magnetic locks are particularly advantageous in handling because they virtually connect by themselves. To a certain degree, this holds true for hook and loop fasteners as well. Zippers and clamping fasteners can have an extremely robust design so that they can absorb high forces. Particularly in consideration of the advantageous elasticity of the packing module, it is therefore clear that even without external influences on the packing module, high forces may act on the closing system. Slide mating engagements can also absorb high forces. They are, for example, known for closing plastic bags as used by passengers for retaining drugstore items in airplane cabins.

It is of further advantage that the cover and/or the closing system and/or the connecting system have features constituting a connection interface or forming part of it. The individual components of the packing module are thus, from the outset, designed so that they can be fixedly connected to the respective other components via a connecting position. This relates to the production of the packing modules.

Here, it may be contemplated that the features include glued areas and/or attachment areas and/or welding positions and/or seams.

Furthermore, it is particularly useful that the connecting system comprises at least one sealing element. While the cover may have a sealing effect by its basic qualities alone, additional measures may possibly have to be taken in the area of the connecting system and/or of the closing system. Here, sealing elements, for example sealing lips, are particularly suitable. They have a sealing effect on the connecting system as well as, preferably, also on the adjacent closing system.

In a further implementation of the packing module, it is contemplated that the cover comprises at least one element for attaching a carrying system. These elements may, for example, be brackets, lifting rings, rings, cords, belts, spacers, legs or reel systems for a lifting, belt or cord system. This is particularly useful for the transport of the packed items, for example in industrial manufacturing plants or at construction sites.

It may also be contemplated that the cover has a baggy or envelope-like shape. Baggy shapes can be particularly useful for accommodating items in an opened state, for example small components such as screws, nails, or rivets, or also larger items such as, for example, bricks when less their sealed packaging but rather their transport from one location to another at construction sites is the objective. An envelope-like shape is particularly suitable for a storage or mailing bag. Such packing modules in an envelope-like shape are also preferably used when the particular features of the packing module, namely with regard to the behaviour towards water or other liquids, as well as elasticity are at issue.

Furthermore, it may be particularly useful that at least one fixing element is provided for attaching bag-shaped or bag-like storage compartments for documents and/or exchangeable advertising spaces and/or identification sensors. When it is contemplated to accommodate, for example, GPS transmitters and/or RFID transmitters in these storage compartments, the packaging and thus the items stored therein can be spatially tracked and identified.

Further particularities of packaging can be achieved by providing the packing module with closing systems of different types. When a packing module has different closing systems it can only be coupled with other packing modules in a specific way. For example, a row of teeth of a zipper can neither be coupled with a hook and loop fastener nor with a slide mating engagement but only with the matching row of teeth of another zipper. In this way, a packing system consisting of a plurality packing modules may, to a certain extent, exhibit a reduced variability, however, advantages can also be achieved thereby. If packaging is, always or at times, to be exclusively assembled using a plurality of packing modules in a specific way it may be desirable to select such packing modules having different closing systems. This will speed up the assembly of the packing modules to packaging, and mistakes can be avoided.

Another useful feature of the packing module may be that the cover has an imprint. This imprint can render information about the packed content. Likewise, other individualising information can be imprinted, for example company names, advertisements or the like. When, in this connection, for example, it is to be ensured that the imprints will always “automatically” have the correct orientation, for example, the predefined packing modules having different closing systems can be used. If, for example, a rectangular side module of a cuboid packaging has zippers on three sides while a hook and loop fastener is provided on one side this side module can only be mounted with the hook and loop fastener directed towards the bottom side when, to this end, a bottom module also having a hook and loop fastener as a closing system is provided. This principle can be used based on any combination of closing systems.

In addition to the packing module as such, the invention also relates to a packing system comprising at least two packing modules. Even though the entire packaging may comprise only a single packing module for specific applications, for example in case of envelopes or bags, the invention unfolds its particular advantages by the packing modules being capable of being combined with each other in varying numbers whereby the underlying, desired universality of the packaging is particularly supported.

This combinability of a plurality of packing modules is of particular relevance when applied to usage in which a first packing module forms a bottom part and, together with at least one further packing module, goods are tightly packable.

Use is particularly advantageous when the bottom part is mounted on means of transport, particularly on a pallet. The bottom part may, for example, be arranged on a pallet. The items to be packed are placed on the bottom part. The other packing module is then pulled over the items, connected to the bottom part and, in the process, preferably stretched making use of the flexibility.

A further use of a packing module is to use it together with a mobile carrying system. A mobile carrying system may, for example, simply be the belt of a worker suitable for attaching a bag consisting of one or more packing modules for storing nails, screws or rivets.

The invention further relates to a modular system comprising a plurality of packing modules, wherein, usefully, it is contemplated that it is included in a transport cycle as a multi-cycle system. When, for example, an industrial manufacturing plant is contemplated in which high flexibility is required to pack and transport diversified items, it is self-suggesting that, in this industrial plant, numerous packing modules are kept in stock, preferably in a vast variety of configurations. In this way, a selection can be made among a variety of packing modules like from an assembly kit to ultimately create matching packaging for the various items.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be explained by way of example based on particularly preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows embodiments of packing modules and packing systems;

FIG. 2 shows embodiments of packing modules and packing systems;

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a packing module and a packing system;

FIG. 4 shows embodiments of packing modules and packing systems;

FIG. 5 shows a use of packing modules;

FIG. 6 shows a use of packing modules;

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a packing module;

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of a packing module.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description of the drawings, the same numerals designate the same or comparable components. When a numeral (for example 10) is followed by a lower case letter (for example 10 a) both numerals are deemed identical insofar as they designate the same or comparable components. The lower case letter only serves better orientation within the drawings. In the illustration of closing modules in the drawings, solid lines are characteristic for closing systems while broken lines illustrate folding lines. The latter may be fixedly provided by a specific preparation of the packing module or emerge by themselves in the use of the packing module depending of the packed item.

FIG. 1 shows embodiments of packing modules 10 and packing systems. Two different packing systems are illustrated. First, the packing system shown substantially on the right side of FIG. 1 will be explained. Here, also features of the figures will be discussed which may be applicable to all of the packing systems and packing modules of the present disclosure. The packing module 10 a is constituted of a single cover 12. This cover 12 has folding lines 14 shown by broken lines. The edge of the cover 12 forms one side of a closing system 16. With the aid of this side of the closing system 16, the cover 12 is interconnectable with another packing module 10. Examples of closing systems 18, 20, 22 are shown in the form of icons in the upper section of FIG. 1. These icons will repeatedly occur for illustrating purposes, also in connection with the figures described below. One possible closing system 16 is a zipper 18. This zipper 18 interconnects two covers 12. To this end, the rows of teeth of the zipper 18 are coupled with the respective covers 12 via a connecting system 24. In addition, one or more sealing elements may be provided. As another closing system 16, a hook and loop fastener is shown. The explanations relating to the zipper 18 apply analogously here. Furthermore, a slide mating engagement 22 is illustrated. Again, the explanations relating to the zipper 18 can otherwise be made reference to. The type of the closing systems applicable here is not limited to a zipper, hook and loop fastener and slide mating engagement. Rather, any closing system capable of interconnecting covers, particularly at their edges, such as, for example, magnetic locks or clamping fasteners can be used. Likewise, it may be advantageous to provide for different closing systems on one and the same packing module 10. In this way, specific edges of the one packing module 10 can only be connected to specific edges of another packing module 10. This may facilitate assembly when specific packing modules 10 are only to be connected in a specific way, and errors can be avoided. In the present specific case, the packing module 10 b is arranged on a pallet 26. Then, items 28 to be packed are placed on the packing module 10 b. Finally, the packing module 10 a is put over the items 28 so that, then at the latest, it assumes its cuboid shape. For this purpose, the packing module 10 a is folded along its folding lines. For completing the packing system consisting of the packing modules 10 a and 10 b, then, the closing system 16 is used. The four edges of the packing module 10 b are connected to the packing module 10 a with their edges directed to the outside. The parts of the closing systems 16 of the packing module 10 a abutting on each other due to the folds along the folding lines 14 are also connected to each other so that, finally, a complete packaging is present which is supported on a pallet 26. The embodiment shown substantially on the left side of FIG. 1 is, to a large extent, comparable with the embodiment described above and illustrated on the right side of FIG. 1. However, several packing modules 10 c respectively formed by a cover 12 comprising a closing system 16 and a connecting system 24 are connected to each other here to thereby form an overall arrangement similar to the one shown on the top right in FIG. 1. Here, no folding lines 14 are provided. Rather, the packing module 10 e assumes its substantially cuboid shape by being folded along the closing systems 16 or connecting systems 24. The packing system shown on the right side in FIG. 1 is simpler since only two packing modules 10 a, 10 b are used. The packing system shown on the left side in FIG. 1 is more flexible since, when the packing system constituted of five packing modules 10 e is pulled over the items 28 instead of the packing module 10 a, it can also be opened on the top until all closing systems are ultimately closed, for example for inspecting the items 28 contained in the packaging. In contrast, the packing module 10 a can only be opened at the sides.

FIG. 2 shows embodiments of packing modules 10 and packing systems. When the basic principle of the universal packing system according to FIG. 1 has been understood FIG. 2 is self-explanatory in its essential respects. Again, packing modules 10 d, 10 e having folding lines are shown on the right side of FIG. 2. On the left side of FIG. 2, two arrangements of a plurality of packing modules are illustrated, each arrangement being constituted of four packing modules. Two of the packing modules 10 f are rectangular while two other packing modules 10 g are triangular. The packing modules designated by the same numerals may be absolutely identical or also different here. Likewise, the two packing modules 10 d, 10 e designated by different numerals may be different or also identical. For packing items, the packing module 10 d is, for example, arranged on a pallet 26. The items 28 will then be arranged on and in the packing module 10 d. Then, the packing module 10 e is pulled over the items 28 and connected to the packing module 10 d using the closing system 16. This finished packaging is illustrated by way of example using the packing modules 10 e, 10 d which are provided with folding lines 14. However, the packing system may also be assembled in a very similar way using the two arrangements of packing modules 10 f, 10 g or 10 h, 10 j. It is also possible and may be advantageous to combine the two packing systems. For example, the packing module 10 d may, like in the first example, be arranged on the pallet 26. Then the items 28 are arranged as before. Now, the arrangement of the packing modules 10 g, 10 f is used by pulling them over the items 28 and connecting them to the packing module 10 d. In this way, the possibility to open the packaging at all upper edges is obtained whereas this would only be possible at one edge, namely the edge not formed by folding lines 14 but by the closing systems 16, in packing systems constituted of the packing modules 10 d, 10 e.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a packing module 10 and of a packing system. Here, a single packing module 10 k having a closing system 16 is shown. This packing module 10 is particularly suitable for being pulled over planar items 28, for example windows or doors as construction material. The overall arrangement is again placed on a pallet 26 provided with a support element 30 for the items 28 supported thereon. In the lower left side of FIG. 3, the items 28 are completely enclosed by the packing module 10 k. The closing system 16 can be closed and opened in this state. In the lower left side of FIG. 3, a state is shown in which the closing system 16 of the packing module 10 k is opened. The cover 12 can then be pushed downwards in folds so that the items 28 protrude upwards from the packing module 10 through the closing system 16. Starting from this state, the items 28 may be taken out of the packing module 10 individually or together.

FIG. 4 shows embodiments of packing modules 10 and packing systems. In addition to the closing systems zipper 18, hook and loop fastener 20, slide mating engagement 22, another closing system is shown, namely the one comprising a corner eye 32. The packing system based on the use of this corner eye 32 is shown on the left side of FIG. 4. The packing module 101 comprises a cover 12 having four corner eyes 32. An item 28 is placed on a pallet 26. Now, the packing module 10 is laid over the item 28 and the pallet 26. The packing module 10 is then secured by means of the corner eyes 32. This may, for example, be implemented by means of cords or rubber rings passing through the corner eyes 32. It may also be contemplated that another packing module 10 m completely or partly covering the pallet 26 is provided between the pallet 26 and the item 28. When the packing module 101 is then laid over the item 28 the corner eyes 32 are arranged so that they can be connected to the packing module 10 m. For this purpose, the packing module 10 m preferably also has a closing system which can cooperate with the corner eyes 32, for example by passing rods or poles fixed to the packing module 10 m through the corner eyes 32. On the left side of FIG. 4, a packing system comprising two packing modules 10 n and 10 o is shown. For using the packing system, the packing module 10 o is first arranged on a pallet 26. This packing module 10 o has the shape of an open box, closing systems 16 being provided at its upper edges. The packing system 10 o can then be filled with items to then be closed by the packing module 10 n by means of the closing system 16.

FIG. 5 shows a use of packing modules 10. What is shown is how packing modules 10 p can form a roofing or tent. The packing modules 10 p are again provided with corner eyes 32 protruding beyond the actual cover 12 on tongues. The covers 12 of the packing modules 10 b can then be connected to each other via the closing system 16. The corner eyes 32 can also be used to further connect the packing modules 10 p to each other. For the assembled state shown in the lower section of FIG. 5, one or more rods will then be used to thereby realise the tent-like form. The roofing can then be fixed on the ground by means of the corner eyes 32 and, for example, tent pegs. In the assembled state, any existing closing systems 16 can be used to connect covers 12 by means of corner eyes, zippers, hook and loop fasteners, slide mating engagements or the like. When more than two covers 12 are used roofing and structures having various forms can be created. For example, tents can be provided with tent floors arranged in front of them and connected to them so that a dry floor area can be made available in front of the tents.

FIG. 6 shows a use of packing modules 10. Here, two possibilities of providing a blimp 34 with packing modules 10 q, 10 r are illustrated, particularly to use it as an advertising medium, namely by means of an imprint on the packing module 10 r.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a packing module 10. Here, a packing module 10 s is illustrated which has the shape of an envelope. The packing module 10 s may again also be provided with the usual closing systems 16 here, i.e. with a zipper 18, a hook and loop fastener 20, a slide mating engagement 22 or the like. In any case, a closing system 16 is provided to close the packing module 10 s, particularly after items, for example documents, were placed therein.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of a packing module 10. The packing module 10 t illustrated here serves the accommodation of small items, in the present example the accommodation of nails 38. The packing module 10 t again comprises a closing system 16 shown in an opened state on the left side of FIG. 8 and in a closed state on the right side of FIG. 8. In the illustration of the packing module 10 t on the right side of FIG. 8, further, an element 40 for attaching the packing module 10 t to a belt 36 is shown. As shown in the lower section of FIG. 8, also a plurality of packing modules 10 t 36 may be attached to a belt. The packing module 10 t may have one or more folding lines 14 so that it can rest against a person wearing the belt 36 with the packing module 10 t more closely in a less filled state.

The features of the invention disclosed in the above description, in the drawings as well as in the claims may be important for the realisation of the invention both individually and in any combination.

LIST OF NUMERALS

-   10 packing module -   12 cover -   14 folding lines -   16 closing system -   18 zipper -   20 hook and loop fastener -   22 slide mating engagement -   24 connecting system -   26 pallet -   28 items -   30 support element -   32 corner eye -   34 blimp -   36 belt -   38 nails -   40 attaching element 

1. A packing module comprising: at least one cover, at least one closing system, and at least one connecting system for connecting the at least one cover to the at least one closing system, wherein wherein the packing module has, at least partly, at least one, preferably at least two, and more preferably at least three of the following features: water-repellent, waterproof, saltwater resistant breathable a relative elasticity of at least 10%.
 2. The packing module according to claim 1, wherein the cover comprises a material containing polyurethane (PU) and/or polyamide (PA) and/or a fibre-based woven and/or non-woven textile.
 3. The packing module according to claim 2, wherein the cover contains elastane (EL).
 4. The packing module according to claim 3, wherein the cover comprises at least 30% PA, 4% PU and 1% EL, respectively, preferably at least 40% PA, 6% PU and 1.5% EL, respectively, and more preferably at least 50% PA, 8% PU and 2% EL, respectively.
 5. The packing module according to claim 3, wherein the closing system comprises at least one magnetic lock and/or at least one clamping fastener and/or at least one hook and loop fastener and/or at least one zipper and/or at least one slide mating engagement.
 6. The packing module according to claim 3, wherein the cover and/or the closing system and/or the connecting system have features constituting a connection interface or forming part of it.
 7. The packing module according to claim 6, wherein the features comprise glued areas and/or attachment areas and/or welding positions and/or seams.
 8. The packing module according to claim 7, wherein the connecting system comprises at least one sealing element.
 9. The packing module according to claim 8, wherein the cover comprises at least one element for attaching a carrying system.
 10. The packing module according to claim 9, wherein the cover has a baggy or envelope-like form.
 11. The packing module according to claim 10, wherein at least one fixing element is provided for attaching bag-shaped or bag-like storage compartments for documents and/or exchangeable advertising spaces and/or identification sensors.
 12. The packing module according to claim 11, wherein the cover has an imprint.
 13. The packing module according to claim 12 wherein the packing module comprises different closing systems.
 14. A packing system comprising at least two packing modules according to claim
 1. 15. A use of a packing system according to claim 14, wherein a first packing module forms a bottom part and in that, together with at least one further packing module, goods are tightly packable.
 16. The use according to claim 15, wherein the bottom part is mounted on transport means, particularly a pallet.
 17. The use of a packing module according to claim 13 comprising a mobile carrying system.
 18. The packing module according to claim 13, wherein the packing module is part of a modular system and wherein it is included in a transport cycle as a multi-cycle system. 